fogra

FOGRA, short for Fogra Forschungsgesellschaft Druck e.V., is a German non-profit research association dedicated to print and media technology. It coordinates research and standardization efforts across the graphic arts industry, with emphasis on color reproduction, process control, and proofing.

FOGRA conducts scientific and applied research on ink, substrates, print processes, measurement methods, and color management. It develops specifications, test methods, and reference data used to calibrate printers and proofs. The organization collaborates with industry groups, universities, and standardization bodies such as ISO, ICC, and DIN.

A core output is color management profiles and process standards for various printing conditions. These are used in ICC workflows and in ISO 12647-compliant colour reproduction. Examples of widely used FOGRA references include designations such as FOGRA39 or FOGRA50, which denote specific printing conditions and ink-substrate combinations.

FOGRA publishes measurement data, reference test charts, and color profiles; it operates testing laboratories for color measurement; it offers certification programs such as FOGRA Cert for printers and proofing systems; it also provides technical training and advisory services.

The organization’s standards are widely used in the printing industry to ensure consistent color reproduction across devices and workflows, contributing to quality control in commercial printing, packaging, and proofing.